If you own a video game system or have bought a console for your kids, you know that they cost a pretty penny. You buy the system, you buy games, you buy controllers, and it all adds up.. Sure, you don’t have to pay lots of money to enjoy playing simple games, like the free games for kids you find online, but if you’re looking for a deeply involving gaming experience, you’re going to have to shell out hundreds of dollars. It may seem like prices are out of control, but when you put them in historical perspective, they’re not all that bad. Video game systems have always been a luxury item.